Dry skin is a drag. It’s itchy, tight, red and rough. Its cracks and lines are sometimes deep enough to bleed. Skin becomes arid for many reasons, and remedies depend on its causes.
The office of Dermatology for the Family treats all conditions. Whether you need a solution for a skin issue, a check for skin cancer or a consultation for another concern, you can count on our highly skilled and personable staff. We help our patients make informed decisions about the treatments and solutions that are best for them.
Dry skin can strike at any age, but people in their 50s and older are particularly susceptible because their skin’s oil glands get smaller and less productive.
Atopic dermatitis is the most common type of eczema. In addition to dry, itchy skin, a rash may turn up behind your knees, inside your elbows, and on your face, feet and hands. It’s an allergic reaction to stress, environmental substances (such as sand, perfume, clothes detergent), a genetic predisposition or an unknown origin.
If you work with particular chemical and biological materials or in extreme temperatures at your job, your skin can become extremely dehydrated. Wear protective clothing to offset your exposure to the aggravating materials.
Water may seem harmless, but too much of it—especially hot—can dry out your skin. Luxuriating in a bathtub or taking a long shower is a popular cause of parched skin. So is hanging out in highly chlorinated pools and hot tubs.
What kind of soap or body wash do you use? Though it might smell nice, it also removes the oil on your skin or makes already-thirsty skin worse. A dermatologist can recommend non-irritating cleansers.
The first step in managing or preventing your dry skin is to identify what’s aggravating it. Lifestyle changes and over-the-counter oils, lotions and creams can usually control dry skin. Products that include hyaluronic acid, squalane, glycerin, petrolatum, ceramides, a corticosteroid or an immune modulator can be especially helpful. Ask a dermatologist which is best for you.
The office of Dermatology for the Family is committed to excellence by providing compassionate skincare through our state-of-the-art diagnostic services and high-quality treatments. Please call us today to arrange an appointment.